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Home Tour: A Textile Designer's Tiny Tribeca Home

Nestled in a Tribeca high-rise built in the ‘70s, lies the tiny one-bedroom, one-bathroom bachelor pad of textile designer Zak Profera of ZAK+FOX. After a life change led Profera to seek out a new home that would accommodate his existing furniture, the designer found the small rental and set about making it his own. “Like many New Yorkers, I’m limited in what I can and can’t do,” the designer says. “Though I do fantasize about gutting the kitchen and bathroom.”

Despite the restrictions a rental entails, Profera infused the space with global, eclectic appeal, thanks to a thoughtful mix of his own patterns and textiles, along with carefully chosen vintage and contemporary furnishings. “I don’t like when things are too matched—I think something needs to feel a bit off,” Profera says of his decorating style. “It’s good to develop a foundation to build upon, and throw in two or three elements that keep the eye moving.”

A brave mix of ZAK+FOX patterns and prints abound in the space, a design choice that Profera feels should be executed with care. “If you’re mixing patterns, considering the scale is critical,” he says. “A ton of large-scale prints will conflict, but adding a midsize and small scale into the scheme allows it to feel layered, rather than loud. I also think it’s important to acknowledge that the eye has to rest—good textural solids are critical.”

When it comes to decorating a home, Profera knows the importance of patience. “I really believe in waiting to find the ‘right’ piece, rather than settling for something you’re less than happy with,” he says. “I’d rather have a wall sitting empty for a year than have a mediocre work of art taking up space.”

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Set atop a bamboo étagère from the 1800s sits Profera’s collection of “knick-knacks” carefully acquired over years of global travel. “I’m a lover of ‘things,’” says the designer. “But I’m too tidy to be a hoarder, so I only buy something when it strikes me.”

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Though he designs his textiles with the creative freedom of the customer in mind, Profera did create PAZURU, the abstract pattern used on his bedroom walls, with a similar large-scale application in mind. “It’s a meandering print with a tremendous repeat and indefinable borders,” Profera shares. “The pattern needs some structure like walls or a ceiling to contain it and make it work.”

In the end, the textile designer’s advice is to decorate with what you love and a beautiful space will follow. “Buy what you like, the rest should work,” he says. “A lot of my pieces are oversized for this small apartment, which is fine. It’s certainly not flawless, but I’m working with what I have!”

To shop the latest creations from ZAK+FOX check out their new exclusive collaboration with One Kings Lane.

What’s your favorite spot in this small bachelor pad? Share with us below!